What is "to dye in the wool"

Dye \Dye\ (d[imac]), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dyed (d[imac]d); p. pr. & vb. n. Dyeing.] [OE. deyan, dyen, AS. de['a]gian.] To stain; to color; to give a new and permanent color to, as by the application of dyestuffs.

Cloth to be dyed of divers colors.
--Trench.

The soul is dyed by its thoughts.
--Lubbock.

To dye in the grain, To dye in the wool (Fig.), to dye firmly; to imbue thoroughly.

He might truly be termed a legitimate son of the revenue system dyed in the wool.
--Hawthorne.

Syn: See Stain.